Philosophy principles and practice in sexuality education for professionals

Within general education circles there are a number of approaches to educational philosophy, the ones arousing the greatest debates are those articulated by the outstanding educators of their respective eras, such as Dewy, Friere, and Montessori. It is rare to find clearly articulated sexuality education philosophies in peer reviewed literature. One can find statements in locally produced, special interest group literature. These include religious groups with a tendency to extreme positions and libertarian groups who attempt to counter religious arguments. These statements might be viewed as philosophies; however, they are not clearly articulated and may be easily de-constructed through rational argument. A more temperate, and therefore a more generally appealing, approach must be promoted.

This imperative is justified for several reasons. education is empowering and enriching; it is an investment for the individual and society; it is a part of human existential growth. As the topic is almost universally seen as a difficult one and in some societies a taboo,Sexuality education is a fundamental human right;a clearly articulated philosophy, supporting sound educational principles provides a defensible justification for formal sexuality education throughout the life-span. The philosophy, principles and pedagogical approach utilized in one university setting is presented. This approach has been implemented and tested over a number of years and with a variety of postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The philosophy and methods will be presented with illustrations from shared educational experiences with postgraduate students who are medical practitioners, psychologists, social workers, specialist nurses, women’s health physiotherapists, teachers and religious leaders, all of whom have completed one or more degree awarding programes in sexology at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia.

Dr Rosemary Coates, AO

Dr Rosemary Coates developed the sexology programmes at Curtin in 1978 and continues to supervise research students in a number specialist areas. She also has an extensive record of work in the international arena. Dr Coates is currently Vice President of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) and a Technical Advisor to the Reproductive health & Research unit of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Her previous roles have included Chair of the WA AIDS Council; President of the Australian reproductive Health Alliance; President of Family Planning WA; President of the Australian Association of Sex researchers, Educators and Therapists. Dr Coates is also a medical Ethicist and has authored the Guiding Ethical principles for the World Association forSexual Health. She was also instrumental in the development of Curtin Univeristy's Guiding Ethical principles.